BENNY JETS OUT

Phillips guided the club to a top 10 finish last season but this year has been unable to find a similar spark and after losing the first three games of the season decided that enough was enough.

As well as losing matches Phillips also seemed to lose the respect of some of his players and it is believed that there were arguments in the dressing room following the match against Stocksbridge.

A club spokesman confirmed that Witton chairman Mike Worthington phoned Phillips on Sunday to discuss the problems with the players and that during the phone call Phillips tendered his resignation.

Phillips takes with him assisstant manager Danny Keough, leaving the club without a recognised first team coach.

Senior players Brian Pritchard and Brad Sandeman have been placed in charge of match day affairs with Mike Worthington taking control of the day to day running of the club until a replacement is found.

And moves are already underway to find a replacement with the club expecting a large number of applicants.

Club secretary Phil Chadwick said: "We have already received two applications and held one interview today, Tuesday, and will be holding another tomorrow.

"I cannot confirm who the applicants are but I can say that they are high profile managers."

He added: "Brian and Brad have already injected new enthusiasm into the club and this was obvious in the win on Monday.

"They have brought some players back into the team, like Mallinson who walked out last Thursday.

"In fact it's amazing how the lads have responded to Benny's resignation, they have all been in touch and all were willing to get together to help the club out of a bit of a problem.

"So much so that we had 17 players plus Brian available for the game on Monday.

"That's the beauty of Witton Albion."

The club is inviting qualified applicants for the manager's position to write to Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire. CW9 6DA.